Royal Payback!

YUMA, Ariz. – Close to three weeks ago, the Gila Ridge Hawks volleyball team stunned the Kofa Lady Kings at Rios Gym; handing them a three set defeat and taking the drivers seat in the section. Since that time, Kofa hasn’t lost a Gila Valley game while Gila Ridge suffered a surprise home defeat against crosstown rival Cibola.

This would set up a rematch between these two teams that each had a section record of 5-1 going into this contest. With two matches remaining in the entire season for both Kofa and Gila Ridge, this would prove to be a “winner take all” match; as the victor would likely win the section and get an automatic bid into the AIA Division III playoffs.

Kofa would get off to a fast start, taking the first two sets thanks in part to the dominant net presence by Abbey Jensen, who would have 15 kills on the night. The Hawks would storm back with their backs to the wall in the third set, with big plays being made by Hannah Weller (13 kills and 8 digs) and Alexis Webb (39 assists).

But the Lady Kings would cut the rally short with an impressive response in the fourth set, with the help of Isabel Ponce; who nabbed 26 assists in the match.

Kofa would avenge their previous loss to the Hawks with a four set result of: 25-23, 25-19, 13-25 & 25-15.

The Lady Kings will clinch the section and punch their ticket to another playoff birth with a home finale win against San Luis on Thursday.